Vega’s Birth Story

I spent the last trimester of my pregnancy convinced I would give birth well before my due date. Our third child was three weeks early, and this bump sat really low the whole time. Even my midwife told me I’d deliver well before my due date. So as the 22nd December came and went, I began to feel a little fed up and anxious. Having given birth three times before, I was strangely nervous this time around. By the time Christmas Day passed I had really had enough of being pregnant and was beginning to think I would never give birth. The few days before Vega arrived, I’d had a few twinges and I knew that my body was ready to give birth. unfortunately we had family visiting on the Saturday and Sunday which added to my stress and I knew there was no way my body would relax and give in to labour before they arrived or while they were around. They left around lunch time on the Sunday, the kiddos and I spent an afternoon relaxing, finally having he stresses of Christmas and visitors behind me.

We sat down to watch a movie, Kiki, Baya and I {Annie if you want to know!} and had a ‘picky’ dinner. I was in the kitchen at 6.36pm when the first contraction came, and my waters popped. In my previous labours, my waters never went until right before the baby was born, so this really took me by surprise. Funnily, my first thought was “I’d better clear away all of the dinner things”!! So I did.. the contractions kept coming, every 4 minutes or so. G was at work, so I managed to walk around th house for an hour, getting a few things sorted while the kiddos watched the movie {through their excitement at the impending birth}. The contractions were growing in intensity and by ten past seven were coming every 3 minutes or so. I called G home from work and rang the labour ward. The community midwife rang me back at half past seven to tell me they were on their way and would be there in half an hour. Thankfully, G came home then as the contractions were getting really intense and frankly I needed a hand to squeeze!

He started timing them, and told me they were coming every 2 minutes and lasting a good 30-40 seconds. The midwife’s arrived at 8pm and I was pretty relieved to see them. We’d set up in the bedroom, leaving the girlies downstairs to watch some TV. The midwifes got set up and examined me, by this point I was around 7cm. I got comfortable sitting on the bed, though I think this slowed things down a little. The contractions continued to increase in intensity and length, by 9pm I was 9cm dilated and beginning to feel the urge to push. They told me to wait as my body wasn’t quite ready. Finally I got the go-ahead to push and after 5 minutes and his head was born… a few pants later and the rest of him followed.

Vega was born at 9.25pm on December 28th weighing 9lb 6oz {my biggest baby by far – the girls were 8lb 2oz, 8lb 1oz and 7lb 2oz}. He was placed straight onto my chest and latched on and started nursing almost straight away. Once the placenta had come out and the midwives had cleaned me up a little, the girlies came up to meet their brother. Nothing beats being in your own home, with all of your family around you. The midwives left, I had a bath, the girls had a cuddle or two before going to bed, then G and I sat on the sofa with a new baby, watching a little TV ;)

I’m incredibly lucky to have had such an easy birth. Three hours from start to finish, with no tearing, no problems at all. In fact all four of my labours have been easy and straightforward, and for that I am incredibly grateful. I have muchos respect for those of you who endure long labours – three hours was more than enough!!

Ah I love reading birth stories! It sounds really similar to Tiger’s birth which I enjoyed (as much as one can enjoy labour!), it almost makes me want to do it again. I loved being at home afterwards, best thing ever. Gorgeous family and so lovely you have a boy too! x

Lovely birth story. I’ll be channelling you in the coming few weeks as I wait for baby number two. I’m also hoping for an early one but I had a reiki session yesterday and she said he is so happy where he is. Damn!

Sounds perfect! I would have loved a home birth, but some serious complications with my first meant it wasnt an option. My third was as good as it got for me – gave birth at 3, home on my own sofa by 8. Cant beat your own home!

How amazing, Polly! I’m getting teary-eyed reading this! I agree, nothing beats being at home. If I ever have another, I might consider keeping the girls home so they can come up to as that just sounds such a lovely bit of it. Thanks for sharing. We need more positive birth stories like this, all over the internet. :)

Oh wow what a wonderful birth story and I am so happy it was fairly smooth and short (although over-due). Also how wonderful to have him at home – I truly wish I had that option as it’s such a wonderful way to bring a new addition to your family into the world.

congratulations again polly! It sounds like a beautiful experience. Both of my previous labours have been quick (5.5hrs & 1hr) so we have decided that if we are lucky enough to have a third child it will be a home birth as I don’t think I’d make it anywhere else in time. I love the idea of having my other children around to meet the baby straight away. Beautiful birth story! xx

Lovely., I would love a home birth next? Also fortunate to have had three amazing birth experiences, even though I did tear with all three, I didn’t notice… Wanted water births but they all happened so fast and the pools were busy! Home birth sounds so relaxing, and that’s what I love in labour, is to feel relaxed.
I really should’ve had the last two at home considering they were both under and hour! Xxx